There is a difference between the Walloon and Flemish sections of Belgium with regard to charging. Wallonia is not really set up for electric driving yet. This has in part to do with an antiquated energy network. The main routes in Flanders are well equipped with fast-chargers. There are also more public charging stations in Flanders than in Wallonia.

Low beam headlights are mandatory when it is dark, when visibility is poor, and in tunnels. At equivalent crossings, traffic from the right has right of way. Trams always have right of way. Traffic on the roundabout has right of way if so indicated by traffic signs. Uphill traffic on mountain roads has priority over downhill traffic. You may not hold a telephone when in the driver’s seat, even if you are not driving at the time (handsfree calling is permitted). Children shorter than 1.35 metres must be in a child’s seat. Navigation software that warns of speed cameras or average speed checks is permitted. Winter tyres are not mandatory.

Smoking in the car is prohibited if a child is present. When merging, you could receive a fine if you merge too soon or do not give right of way to mergers. When passing cyclists (including those on a bicycle path), you are required to maintain a lateral distance of at least 1.50 metres. Leaving your engine idling is prohibited if you stand still for a longer period of time, such as at a crossing.

A warning triangle and a safety vest are mandatory in the car. A first-aid box and fire extinguisher are only mandatory in cars with a Belgian registration number.

A motorhome or car-caravan combination may be a maximum of 4 metres high, 2.55 metres wide and 18.75 metres long (the caravan itself may be a maximum of 12 metres long).

A bicycle helmet is not mandatory. Calling or texting while cycling is prohibited. You may not transport a passenger on the baggage rack (but may transport a child in a child’s seat).

There is a toll for the Liefkenshoektunnel to the north of Antwerp. For more information: liefkenshoektunnel.be.

In Belgium, the cities Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent have a low-emission zone (LEZ). As from 2023, all of Wallonia will be a zone de basses émissions (ZBE) or a low-emission zone. Municipalities may introduce this earlier. Vehicles will be registered with cameras. If you enter an LEZ with a vehicle that is not permitted, you risk a hefty fine. For more information: lez.brussels, slimnaarantwerpen.be, stad.gent, vlaanderen.be/lage-emissiezones-lez and walloniebassesemissions.be.

Position your warning triangle at least 100 metres behind the car if you have stopped where stopping is prohibited. The driver must wear a safety vest. If you have had a breakdown, call the alarm number of your breakdown assistance insurer. You can also call a Belgian breakdown service: +32 70 344 777 (Touring Belgium Go) or +32 70 344 666 (VAB). Towing is prohibited on motorways; you must engage a salvage service.